"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."- Alexander Graham Bell
In an excellent article from Positive Psychology Program, seven concepts are explored for increasing a person's feeling of well-being. It's a great list:
- When a Door Closes Another Opens
- Gratitude by Mental Elimination
- Similar Strengths – Group activity
- Flow Experiences
- Walking Meditation
- 3 Positive Things a Day
- Chasing Happiness
It's a helpful article with exercises to explore each concept. The first concept - When one door closes, another one opens - is one I think we've all had, and I think most of us would agree that the second door does eventually open, but waiting in the hallway is a drag!Using these questions to look at that closed door can help:
- What led to the door closing? What helped you open the new door?
- How long did it take you to realize the new open door?
- Was it easy or hard for you to realize the new door open?
- What prevented you from seeing the new open door?
- What can you do next time to realize the new open door sooner?
- What were the effects of the door closing on you? Did it last long?
- Did the experience bring anything positive?
- Which character strengths did you have to use in this activity?
- What does a closed door represent to you now?
- What did you learn from the door closing?
- Is there more room for growth from these types of experiences?
- Is there a closed door that you still wish to see open?
One thing that has helped me during those 'closed door times' is the idea of Living Curiously. I recently discovered a wonderful website, 'Living Curiously Lifestyle.'The website is by a woman named Becki Saltzman - she and I share the same publicist, Joanne McCall. One door closing led me to McCall, and what a great new door opening that turned out to be. I really recommend you spend some time exploring Saltzman's website. It is interesting, fun and she has great boots!The article in Positive Psychology Program is really wonderful. I suggest using the seven activity exercise for seven days, one a day.It is thought-provoking and positive-inspiring.
What better way to close than with a clip from the father of positive psychology, Martin Seligman.